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  • Report Predicts Shift to Logic-Based Buying in Dubai Real Estate for 2026

    Report Predicts Shift to Logic-Based Buying in Dubai Real Estate for 2026

    A market report from fäm Properties released on December 29, 2025, projected that Dubai real estate would enter 2026 with a transition from momentum-driven purchases to more selective, logic-based buying focused on fundamentals. The analysis, drawn from DXBInteract data using verified Dubai Land Department transaction records, highlighted record activity in the first 11 months of 2025 with 197,263 deals valued at AED 624.1 billion. This performance set the stage for increased buyer discipline in assessing pricing, quality and long-term value rather than market hype alone.

    The fäm Properties report described 2025 as a year in which buyer decisions were largely fuelled by market momentum instead of deep evaluation of developer track records, construction standards or property usability. End-user demand strengthened notably, particularly among families opting for ownership in well-serviced communities, adding stability to established areas. Global capital inflows arrived from Europe, the UK, the CIS countries, India, Africa and increasingly North America, while commercial real estate expanded in response to demand from construction, logistics, professional services and broader economic growth.

    According to the report, 2026 will reward projects and communities delivering genuine connectivity, strong fundamentals, credible execution, clear lifestyle benefits, value and true scarcity. Extreme luxury segments including prime villas, branded residences and waterfront assets are expected to demonstrate continued resilience due to structural undersupply that sustains pricing, liquidity and resale velocity. The firm anticipates a more polarized landscape in which Tier-1 developers with proven delivery records will capture the majority of off-plan interest.

    International developers, particularly from the United States with groups such as Discovery Land cited as examples, are set to intensify competition in Dubai, introducing new standards of design and operations, the report stated. Commercial real estate momentum in offices, logistics and mixed-use projects should persist, supported by sustained economic expansion, infrastructure spending and rising corporate activity. Full-year Dubai Land Department figures released in early 2026 confirmed total real estate transactions for 2025 reached AED 917 billion, with sales volumes exceeding 215,000 deals and showing roughly 20 to 31 percent growth compared with 2024.

    The fäm Properties analysis identified infrastructure improvements as a key driver, with communities linked to the forthcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line poised to benefit from enhanced appeal, pricing power and liquidity. Locations including Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City, sections of Dubai Silicon Oasis and International City are highlighted for renewed interest. Prime villa districts such as Jumeirah Bay Island, Palm Jumeirah, Al Wasl, Dubai Hills Estate and Mohammed Bin Rashid City recorded the strongest resale performance and lowest discount tolerance during 2025.

    Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of fäm Properties, said in the report, «In 2025, momentum drove decisions, but 2026 will be the year when buyers and investors operate with far more logic and discipline.» He added that buyers would evaluate the full equation of price versus value, payment plan realism, construction consistency, location and developer credibility instead of relying on brand names alone. Al Msaddi noted that the strongest projects are those where fundamentals align and execution risk remains low, while the brokerage involved must demonstrate brand equity, data depth and a proven track record.

    Walkable, lifestyle-oriented master communities such as City Walk, Central Park at City Walk, Bluewaters Island and upcoming Meraas developments are forecast to draw increased attention because of integrated retail, design quality and human-scale planning, according to the report. Etihad Rail-influenced corridors and the southern logistics zone around Dubai South are positioned as longer-term strategic opportunities as inter-emirate connectivity and industrial demand develop. A shifting global economic environment featuring easing monetary policy after quantitative tightening is expected to provide additional support for real asset valuations in a supply-constrained market such as Dubai.

  • Masdar Announces AI Focus for World Future Energy Summit 2026

    Masdar Announces AI Focus for World Future Energy Summit 2026

    Masdar has announced that the World Future Energy Summit will introduce new artificial intelligence tracks and innovation zones when it convenes in Abu Dhabi from January 13 to 15, 2026. The event, expected to draw 55,000 attendees, forms the main element of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and will focus on translating climate policy into actionable outcomes, the company said in a November 13, 2025 statement.

    The Masdar statement outlined seven conference tracks addressing artificial intelligence, solar and clean energy, the circular economy, e-mobility with sustainable cities, pathways to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, water management and green finance. These will be supported by a two-day FUSE AI conference, the returning Carbon Forward program on climate risks and opportunities, an EU Hydrogen Council summit and a half-day Greenpeace session on just energy transitions. The expanded format also includes the FUSE AI Zone with more than 40 companies demonstrating AI applications for clean power, infrastructure and resilience alongside The Greenhouse platform featuring over 50 startups in climate technology, mobility and water solutions.

    A new Greenpeace Cinema developed with Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa will screen environmental films that combine scientific evidence with regional human stories from climate front lines. Confirmed participants include DEWA, Tadweer, EWEC, Huawei, EDF, IRENA, Beeah, MESIA, MOIYAT and BYD among 800 exhibitors and 400 brands. The statement highlighted 20 government partners and 14 country pavilions as signs of the summit’s international reach at a time when low-carbon technology investments exceeded $386 billion globally in the first half of 2025.

    Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, director of brand and strategic initiatives at Masdar, said in the statement, «As a core event of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the World Future Energy Summit is where the global energy ecosystem comes together to do business.» Fawwaz added that WFES will convene leaders from government, energy, technology and finance to drive real-world deployment and partnerships across key challenges while harnessing AI for scalable climate solutions. Masdar currently oversees a 51-gigawatt renewable portfolio and has set a target of 100 gigawatts by 2030.

    Shyam Parmar, the summit’s event director, stated in the announcement that the 2026 edition with its interactive platforms and AI emphasis captures the pace of technological transformation in the sector. «We are creating a space where data, innovation and sustainability converge, turning insight into action across every part of the energy value chain,» he said. Abu Dhabi has hosted the Sustainability Week gathering for more than 15 years, establishing the emirate as a venue for advancing clean energy dialogues.

    British Ambassador to the UAE Edward Hobart noted the immense scale of clean energy opportunities in the Middle East and worldwide. «The World Future Energy Summit showcases how innovation, investment, and international collaboration can unlock that potential,» he said. Hobart added that as the UAE leads in renewable and low-carbon solutions, the UK remains committed to partnerships delivering sustainable growth, green jobs and future technologies.

    Ghiwa Nakat, executive director of Greenpeace Middle East and North Africa, said in the statement, «The urgency of the climate crisis demands more than facts — it demands concrete action.» Nakat explained that the organization will use the half-day conference and cinema to connect policy ambition with community stories and measurable initiatives that turn commitments into tangible regional impact. The release also referenced UAE commitments of $54 billion in renewables, $83 billion in climate funding from COP28 and $30 billion through the Alterra Fund alongside Saudi plans for $270 billion in renewable capacity.

  • Mohammed bin Salman and Mohamed bin Zayed Review Regional Stability in Phone Conversation

    Mohammed bin Salman and Mohamed bin Zayed Review Regional Stability in Phone Conversation

    The Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone conversation with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on May 13, 2026. The two leaders discussed fraternal relations, cooperation between their countries and regional developments with implications for security and stability, according to the UAE’s WAM news agency. They reviewed ongoing efforts to address challenges facing the region, the official readout stated.

    The call highlighted the deep strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, non-oil bilateral trade between the two nations totalled $41.3 billion in 2024, an increase from $37.3 billion in 2023. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Statistics placed UAE investment inflows to the kingdom at 9 billion riyals in 2024, making it the second-largest contributor by volume. The UAE was the kingdom’s fifth-largest export destination and third-largest source of imports that year.

    Both countries play leading roles in the Gulf Cooperation Council, where they coordinate on political and economic files. They also align within the OPEC+ alliance to manage oil production levels, contributing to global market stability. OEC data showed Saudi Arabia exported goods worth SAR 12.8 billion to the UAE in January 2026 alone, a 51.4 percent rise from the previous January.

    This latest discussion follows a similar call in early May 2026 during which Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned attacks on the UAE and affirmed Saudi support for its neighbor’s security, Arab News reported. Such frequent communications demonstrate the priority both leaderships place on close consultation. The UAE President expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s positions during those exchanges.

    Emirati investments in Saudi Arabia have reached more than $9.26 billion while Saudi investments in the UAE exceed $4.36 billion, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. There are approximately 4,004 Saudi trademarks registered in the Emirates along with dozens of commercial agencies and companies. These statistics illustrate the breadth of economic engagement that complements their security dialogue.

    International businesses are betting on closer ties, with an HSBC survey revealing that 90 percent of firms in the UAE plan to boost trade and investment with Saudi Arabia over the next five years. The survey, conducted in November 2025, reflects confidence in the potential of integrated Gulf markets. The leaders’ conversation on Wednesday may have touched upon facilitating such cross-border activity.

    The two states continue to advance their respective economic visions, which include substantial investments in non-oil sectors. IMF assessments have highlighted both countries as leaders in digital transformation and AI readiness within the Middle East. Their collaboration on these fronts forms another pillar of the multifaceted relationship addressed in high-level talks.

  • ADGM Attracts Asset Managers With $4.4 Trillion in Commitments During March and April

    ADGM Attracts Asset Managers With $4.4 Trillion in Commitments During March and April

    Abu Dhabi Global Market attracted eight major global financial institutions managing a combined $4.4 trillion in assets that announced plans to establish operations in the emirate during March and April 2026, the authority said on May 13. The announcements coincided with ADGM’s delegation to the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, led by Chairman Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, where officials engaged with policymakers, investors and asset managers to underscore Abu Dhabi’s role connecting global capital flows. The centre issued 284 new licences in March 2026, a 5.2 percent rise from 270 the previous year, according to ADGM figures.

    The institutions included Muzinich & Co. managing $30.5 billion in assets under management, Hillhouse Investment Management with over $100 billion, Barings overseeing $481 billion and Bain Capital handling $225 billion. Hashed Global Management Limited with $324 million and Rokos Capital Management with $22 billion received financial services permissions in the week ahead of the conference while Capital Group managing $3.3 trillion and Man Group with $228.7 billion separately announced their intent to set up in Abu Dhabi, ADGM reported. The authority framed the influx as evidence of its standing as the fastest-growing international financial centre in the MENA region.

    Al Zaabi said global capital is increasingly gravitating toward platforms that offer predictability, institutional strength, and global connectivity. «As ADGM advances towards its ambition to become one of the top five financial centres of the world, we continue to strengthen a globally trusted ecosystem built on regulatory clarity, forward-looking governance, and direct access to regional and international opportunities,» he added in remarks tied to the conference. «As the fastest-growing international finance centre in the MENA region, ADGM’s momentum in attracting leading global asset managers has been rapid and exceptional,» Al Zaabi stated.

    The chairman participated in an onstage fireside chat with Alan Schwartz, executive chairman of Guggenheim Partners, entitled Driving Global Financial Innovation. Al Zaabi emphasised the UAE’s long-term diversification strategy and the structural resilience underpinning its growth. «The UAE’s resilience is the result of deliberate strategy, not reactive policy,» he said. «What we are seeing today is the validation of that model, an economy designed to deliver consistently, even under pressure.»

    ADGM conducted over 50 high-level engagements during the Milken conference with entities including Man Group, Bain Capital, Blackstone, Carlyle Global Investment Management, Coinbase and Guggenheim. Discussions focused on potential collaborations, market entry support and ADGM’s regulatory framework together with its global connectivity, according to the authority. The centre anchors its operations in international best practices and the direct application of English Common Law as it delivers on Abu Dhabi’s broader economic vision, ADGM said.

    These commitments extend ADGM’s growth trajectory from 2025 when the centre recorded a 36 percent rise in assets under management while active licences increased 30 percent to 12,671 by year-end, according to ADGM announcements released in March 2026. The authority issued 3,769 new licences across 2025 as its workforce expanded 51 percent to 44,339, the same figures show. In December 2025, ADGM drew commitments from 11 major institutions representing more than $9 trillion during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, building on prior years when assets under management had grown from $450 billion in 2023 to $635 billion the following year.

  • SICO Names Yousif Bucheeri Group Deputy CEO to Oversee Sell-Side Units

    SICO Names Yousif Bucheeri Group Deputy CEO to Oversee Sell-Side Units

    SICO has appointed Yousif Bucheeri as group deputy chief executive officer for its sell-side business with effect from May 13 2026 the regional investment bank said in a statement. Bucheeri will oversee investment banking real estate and alternative investments advisory research and brokerage across regional and global markets. The bank reported assets under management of $8.3 billion in its first-quarter 2026 results.

    The press release from SICO highlighted that the appointment reflects its focus on strengthening leadership with national talent. Bucheeri previously served as chief executive officer of Bahraini real estate firm Bareeq Al Retaj where he directed investment management transaction execution and business growth initiatives. He brings more than 15 years of experience in alternative investments and financial services throughout the GCC.

    SICO said in the release that Bucheeri holds a BSc in accounting and finance from the University of Leeds and is a certified public accountant. Najla Al-Shirawi SICO group chief executive officer commented on the move in the statement. «This appointment comes as part of our efforts to strengthen the Group’s leadership team and Yousif’s joining represents a meaningful addition that brings greater diversity to the services we offer our clients» Al-Shirawi said. «It also reflects the significance of SICO’s investment banking and advisory business given his extensive regional experience across real estate alternative investments and financial services which closely aligns with the Group’s long-term strategic ambitions.»

    Bucheeri commented in the press release distributed via Zawya. «I am honored to join SICO at such an important stage in its growth journey» he said. «SICO has established a strong reputation and a leading position within the regional financial sector and I look forward to working closely with the team to build on the Group’s achievements further strengthen its business and continue delivering long-term value to clients across markets and sectors.»

    The company operates under a wholesale banking license from the Central Bank of Bahrain and maintains two wholly owned subsidiaries SICO Invest in Abu Dhabi and SICO Capital in Saudi Arabia according to the statement. SICO recorded a net profit attributable to shareholders of $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2026 its recent financial results showed. The firm maintained its position as Bahrain’s leading broker during the period with research coverage on more than 90 percent of the region’s major equities.

    Headquartered in Bahrain since its founding in 1995 SICO has developed a track record of market outperformance and a base of institutional clients the press release indicated. The bank employs 150 staff and focuses on asset management brokerage investment banking and market making. Its first-quarter results also reported a 1 percent rise in gross assets under management to BD 3.1 billion from the end of 2025.

    Bucheeri’s expertise in real estate and alternative investments aligns with several of SICO’s advisory services the statement noted. The group maintains a direct presence in Bahrain the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The appointment adds to leadership depth as the firm continues to expand its regional operations.

  • Middlebank Consulting Group Appoints Supply Chain Veteran Mark Hopkins as Associate

    Middlebank Consulting Group Appoints Supply Chain Veteran Mark Hopkins as Associate

    Middlebank Consulting Group appointed Mark Hopkins as an associate on May 13, 2026, according to a press release from the company. The Dubai-based consultancy said Hopkins will focus on supply chain planning, inventory optimisation and visibility to help clients improve operational performance through better use of data and planning systems. With more than 25 years of experience, Hopkins most recently served as vice president for global accounts at Netstock, where he supported forecasting, system configuration and client adoption of inventory management software used by more than 2,400 organisations globally.

    In the press release, Middlebank Consulting Group highlighted Hopkins’ work improving forecasting in multi-location networks, addressing product imbalances and expanding visibility across multiple countries for international distributors. He has also managed product planning in biotechnology environments facing constant supply constraints and led integration efforts during ERP transitions to make data more actionable for daily decisions. Hopkins additionally conducted a webinar series on recurring supply chain challenges across operating cycles while engaging clients on system usage and process alignment. The release indicated that his practical operational experience complements technical planning skills that are in high demand.

    Mark Hopkins said in the statement, «I am pleased to be joining Middlebank Consulting Group. Much of my career has focused on how planning actually works in practice, and I look forward to continuing that work with clients, strengthening the link between data, planning decisions, and execution.» The release indicated that his practical operational experience complements technical planning skills that are in high demand.

    Alan Win, founder and CEO of Middlebank Consulting Group, said in the statement, «Mark brings strong technical planning expertise alongside practical operational experience. That balance is increasingly important as organisations look to get more value from the planning systems and data they already have in place.» The company was founded in New Zealand in 1998 and has expanded to Australia, Singapore, India, the United States and recently the Middle East. It has accumulated more than 225 years of collective team experience and worked with over 150 clients, delivering an average 15 percent reduction in operational costs.

    A Mordor Intelligence report estimated the Middle East management consulting services market at USD 8.99 billion for 2026, with expectations it will reach USD 11.08 billion by 2031 at a 4.28 percent compound annual growth rate. Operations consulting represented 26.82 percent of the market share in 2025 as firms pursued supply chain resilience, efficiency and compliance. Grand View Research placed the broader Middle East and Africa supply chain management market at USD 1.986 billion in 2024, forecasting expansion to USD 4.052 billion by 2030 with a 12.5 percent CAGR.

    GCC countries are investing billions to develop logistics hubs capable of handling a significant share of global trade, with the region managing around 18 percent of worldwide flows valued at USD 4.3 trillion in 2023. Recent conflicts in the Middle East have driven supply chain volatility to a three-year high as of March 2026, according to consulting firm GEP. The addition of Hopkins is intended to help Middlebank Consulting Group address such challenges for its regional clients by focusing on sustainable changes in planning and execution.

  • du Launches Sovereign Industrial AI Platform with Bosch to Transform UAE Manufacturing

    du Launches Sovereign Industrial AI Platform with Bosch to Transform UAE Manufacturing

    du launched a sovereign industrial artificial intelligence platform on Tuesday to support secure AI adoption in the UAE’s manufacturing sector, the telecom operator said in a statement. The multi-cloud solution, powered by du Tech’s National Hypercloud, includes pre-built models for key industrial tasks and no-code capabilities for proprietary data, and was unveiled at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 forum.

    In the press release, du described the platform as future-ready with a focus on data control, governance, transparency and explainable AI systems. These features are intended to deliver reliable outcomes suitable for standard operating procedures in industrial environments rather than relying on opaque black-box models. The company is collaborating with Bosch Software Digital Solutions to align go-to-market strategies and accelerate ecosystem development for AI-driven industrial solutions across the UAE.

    Jasim Alawadi, Chief ICT Officer at du, said in the statement, «By combining du Tech’s sovereign cloud and digital infrastructure with Bosch SDS’s global industrial expertise, we are enabling organizations to unlock the full value of their data and transform complex operations into actionable intelligence, while maintaining the highest standards of security, transparency, and control. This collaboration reflects du’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision for industrial growth and digital sovereignty.» The platform was featured with live demonstrations at the event that simulated equipment anomalies and production inefficiencies to showcase AI-driven recommendations.

    du Tech sponsored the Intelligence Hub at the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates, held from May 4 to 7 at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. The forum serves as the UAE’s primary platform for advancing local manufacturing and industrial growth. Event data indicates previous editions attracted more than 146,000 visitors and generated over AED 180 billion in offtake agreements, according to organisers.

    IMARC Group data places the GCC artificial intelligence market at USD 6.22 billion in 2025 with a projection to reach USD 23.03 billion by 2034 at a compound annual growth rate of 14.87 percent. A PwC assessment found that AI could contribute the equivalent of US$320 billion to the Middle East by 2030, with the UAE seeing an impact approaching 14 percent of its GDP. These figures underscore demand for industrial applications as the UAE pursues economic diversification.

    du provides mobile, fixed, broadband, entertainment and fintech services through a digital-first approach incorporating fiber, 5G, cloud computing, AI-driven analytics, cybersecurity and IoT. The company has previously launched related innovations including an AI Park at GITEX Global, its announcements show. A du Tech white paper produced with MIT Sloan Management Review Middle East reported that 62.5 percent of organisations rank a scalable sovereign cloud platform as the top requirement for advancing AI initiatives.

    The development aligns with other UAE sovereign AI efforts including the recent launch of the AI-driven UAE Cyber Factory by the Cyber Security Council and CPX to strengthen national cyber resilience and reduce reliance on external technologies, a Computer Weekly report noted. du’s platform emphasises local data processing and compliance to meet regulatory standards in the industrial sector. The company positions the solution as supporting broader national goals for technology independence in manufacturing.

  • VCM Partners with Lenovo and ClimeCo on Carbon Strategy for Saudi Manufacturing Growth

    VCM Partners with Lenovo and ClimeCo on Carbon Strategy for Saudi Manufacturing Growth

    VCM announced on May 13, 2026 a partnership with Lenovo and ClimeCo to enable sustainable operations at one of the technology company’s largest global manufacturing facilities under construction in Saudi Arabia. The collaboration will help address operational emissions through a structured approach to carbon credits and decarbonization, aligning with Lenovo’s broader climate targets and the Kingdom’s push to integrate sustainability into industrial expansion, according to a joint press release issued via Zawya.

    The statement said VCM will deliver market infrastructure along with advisory services to build a carbon credit strategy that complies with international standards and best practices. ClimeCo, described as a long-standing carbon offset partner to Lenovo, will apply its decarbonization expertise to create a transparent and credible framework for the manufacturing site’s environmental performance. This effort seeks to connect Lenovo’s industrial growth with the generation of local environmental and economic benefits by directing carbon finance toward verified projects inside Saudi Arabia. The release positioned the arrangement as a practical demonstration of how global companies can participate in the Kingdom’s voluntary carbon market ecosystem.

    Fadi Saadeh, CEO at VCM, said in the announcement, «This partnership demonstrates that industrial growth and climate leadership can advance together.» He noted that the project reinforces accelerating development of high-integrity carbon credit projects within Saudi Arabia, where tangible market demand exists for credits generated in the Kingdom that deliver measurable emissions reductions while creating local value. Saadeh added that building a robust domestic carbon ecosystem has remained central to VCM’s mission since its founding, with such partnerships linking international industry to locally produced carbon solutions.

    Saeed Basweidan, director of the services and solutions group at Lenovo Saudi Arabia, stated that the company remains committed to responsible manufacturing and embedding sustainability throughout its value chain. «Through this partnership, we are reinforcing our commitment to a more sustainable future for all by helping industry expand in a more responsible way, while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation and environmental ambitions,» Basweidan said in the release. The initiative supports Lenovo’s science-based net-zero emissions targets that have received validation from the Science Based Targets initiative.

    Saudi Arabia aims to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes per annum by 2030 as it progresses toward net zero by 2060, according to targets outlined by the Saudi Green Initiative. A separate agreement reported last year by Arab News indicated that more than 30 million tonnes of high-integrity carbon credits are expected to be delivered by 2030 through collaboration involving VCM. These benchmarks illustrate the scale at which the voluntary carbon market is viewed as an instrument for balancing industrial development with climate objectives in the Kingdom.

    William Flederbach Jr., president and CEO of ClimeCo, said in the statement, «In fast-growing industrial markets, delivering measurable emissions solutions is no longer optional.» The partnership establishes a concrete framework for emissions management at the scale of large manufacturing operations. ClimeCo’s role draws on its track record of developing customized decarbonization pathways for corporate clients worldwide.

    Established in October 2022 by the Public Investment Fund with an 80 percent stake and Saudi Tadawul Group with 20 percent, VCM has conducted multiple large-scale carbon credit auctions since its launch. These have included the sale of 2.2 million tons in Nairobi in 2023 and over 2.5 million tons alongside the launch of the region’s largest carbon credits exchange in November 2024. The company also hosted the world’s first Global South Carbon Market Conference in Riyadh in 2023, according to its corporate timeline.

    Lenovo reported global revenue of $69 billion in its most recent figures and ranks 196th on the Fortune Global 500 while operating in 180 markets. The Saudi manufacturing expansion forms part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its regional presence amid the Kingdom’s industrial diversification drive. The press release framed the agreement as reinforcing VCM’s position as the national platform that enables both domestic and international firms to integrate credible carbon market participation into their growth plans.

  • DAC Beachcroft Sets Dubai Launch with Insurance Specialists from Clyde & Co

    DAC Beachcroft Sets Dubai Launch with Insurance Specialists from Clyde & Co

    DAC Beachcroft will open its first office in the Middle East this summer in Dubai, the firm announced on May 7, 2026. Three partners are joining from Clyde & Co to establish the new branch in the Dubai International Financial Centre, where the practice will initially concentrate on insurance and healthcare work. The hires bring more than 40 years of combined experience in the region to what the firm described as a pivotal expansion.

    Michael Morris, Mark Beswetherick and Michael Ducker will relocate to the new office from Clyde & Co, according to the announcement. Morris returns to DAC Beachcroft, where he began his legal career, after serving as litigation partner and Middle East head of insurance at his previous firm since relocating to the UAE in 2015, with a focus on commercial and professional liability claims. Beswetherick, who also previously worked at DAC Beachcroft, was head of Clyde & Co’s insurance and dispute resolution practice in Dubai and specialises in arbitration, international litigation and corporate investigations. Ducker served as co-head of Clyde & Co’s Middle East and Africa healthcare group, spanning both insurance and healthcare sectors.

    Gustavo Blanco, head of international business at DAC Beachcroft, welcomed the team in the firm’s statement. «We are looking forward to welcoming Mike Morris and Mark back to DACB later this year and to have Mike Ducker joining us at what will be such a pivotal moment in our growth,» Blanco said. «They are an established, cohesive team with an exceptional reputation in the Middle East market. Their arrival will give us immediate scale and credibility in the region and create a powerful platform for further expansion.» With their deep sector knowledge and regional insight, the firm will be well placed to support clients’ most complex and high-value matters, he added.

    The launch aligns with long-standing strategic priorities for the firm, managing partner Helen Faulkner stated. «Opening in the Middle East has long been a strategic priority for the firm,» Faulkner said. «Dubai is a gateway to the region and a global centre not only for insurance, but also for healthcare and our other advisory practices.» Clients can expect the same market-leading expertise, seamless cross-border capability and collaborative culture from the new base as they receive across the firm’s international network, she noted.

    DAC Beachcroft has pursued rapid international growth in recent years. The firm opened in Miami in February following offices in New York and Los Angeles the prior year, according to its announcements. It established offices in Hong Kong and Lima in 2024 and associations with law firms in Australia and Ecuador in 2025, building on its core UK network of 11 offices and existing operations across Europe, Latin America and Asia-Pacific.

    The timing coincides with strong expansion in DIFC’s insurance sector. DIFC Authority data places gross written premiums at 4.2 billion dollars in 2025, a 20 percent rise from the previous year and double the 2022 level. The authority authorised 28 new insurance and reinsurance firms during 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

    The office will be based in DIFC Square, a new development within the Dubai International Financial Centre that is home to other international law firms including Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer. Initial operations will target the insurance and healthcare sectors that have driven much of the hub’s recent growth in financial services.

  • UAE Issues Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025 Amending Commercial Companies Law

    UAE Issues Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025 Amending Commercial Companies Law

    The United Arab Emirates promulgated Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2025 to amend key provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on commercial companies. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the decree on October 1, 2025, and it entered into force on October 15, 2025. The revisions expand corporate flexibility, strengthen governance tools and clarify jurisdictional boundaries to support a modern business environment.

    Companies may now transfer their domicile within the UAE between emirates, the mainland, free zones and financial free zones. This redomiciliation occurs with full continuity of the company’s legal personality, rights, obligations, contracts and licenses. The process avoids the need for dissolution, re-incorporation or complex asset transfers. Businesses can therefore optimize their regulatory and commercial setups with greater ease under the updated framework.

    Limited liability companies can for the first time issue multiple classes of shares with differing economic, voting and other rights. These classes may vary in entitlements to dividends, liquidation preferences and redemption features. Contributions in kind toward capital are also permitted, subject to valuation according to standards issued by the Ministry of Economy in coordination with local authorities. The changes enable more sophisticated investment and ownership structures that align onshore rules with international norms.

    The amendments establish a statutory basis for drag-along and tag-along rights that shareholders of limited liability companies and private joint stock companies may include in their constitutional documents. Clearer processes now exist for share succession upon events such as death, allowing surviving shareholders or the company to acquire shares based on agreed terms or expert valuation. Licensing authorities gain the power to appoint independent non-shareholder directors for up to one year to resolve deadlocks. These mechanisms reduce uncertainty and facilitate smoother transactions for private businesses and family-owned enterprises.

    A comprehensive framework for non-profit companies has been introduced, requiring all revenues to be reinvested in line with stated objectives while prohibiting distributions to shareholders. The Cabinet will issue implementing regulations on governance, licensing and permissible activities for such entities. This structure provides a dedicated vehicle for social, cultural and charitable initiatives within the commercial companies legislation for the first time.

    The decree extends the scope of the Commercial Companies Law to foreign entities maintaining a presence in the UAE and to free zone companies that conduct activities on the mainland. Branches and representative offices of free zone entities operating outside their zones must comply with the law in addition to free zone regulations. The clarification promotes consistency across jurisdictions while preserving specialized rules in centers such as the Abu Dhabi Global Market and Dubai International Financial Centre.

    Sources:
    — https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7405803730098696193/
    — https://www.clearygottlieb.com/news-and-insights/publication-listing/uae-companies-law-update-2025
    — https://www.reedsmith.com/articles/uae-commercial-companies-law-key-changes-and-what-they-mean-for-business/
    — https://www.gtlaw.com/en/insights/2026/2/uae-commercial-companies-law-amendments-practical-corporate-structuring-and-manda-considerations